Taking Inspiration From Bats, a Student From Arunachal Pradesh Has Designed Goggles to Help the Blind

A high school student from Arunachal Pradesh has developed a set of goggles that promises to significantly improve the quality of lives of those who are visually impaired in India. In fact, the product has gained recognition from various quarters, prompting the chief minister to announce that the state government will be providing financial support to help develop it further.

Anang Tadar, a class 11 student in New Galaxy Academy, Nirjuli, designed the goggles that can detect obstacles from all sides within 2m of its circumference and in the process also alert the user of these obstructions. Outfitted with two ultrasound sensors, the goggles employ technology called echo location that is similar to the parking sensors that are available in cars. Echo location is also how bats navigate during night time.

Additionally, there is an ultrasound sensor in the middle of the goggles too to come to aid if the side sensors start to malfunction.

Anang, who has named his innovation Goggle for Blind (G4B), notes that once the goggles detect an obstruction along the way, they will be able to alert the user with a simple beep. The Hindustan Times has quoted the teenager as saying, “These days there are so many obstructions both inside the house and outside. The G4B will help blind people move around a lot easier.”

G4B has been lauded by various sections and most recently was recognised with the most innovative award in at the Regional Level Science Festival at Regional Science Centre in Guwahati. But Anang is eager to take the product to the market where he will be able to affect change in the lives of the visually impaired. But lacking in funds to develop an advanced prototype, he reached out to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who offered full assistance from the government.